Pune: Speeding Dumper Rams 8 Vehicles on Navale Bridge, Catches Fire on Satara-Mumbai Highway
Pune, February 18, 2026: Panic gripped commuters on the Satara-Mumbai highway Wednesday evening as a speeding dumper truck went on a rampage, ramming into eight vehicles before bursting into flames near the notorious Navale Bridge “black spot.”
Chaos on the Katraj-Dehu Road Bypass
The incident occurred at approximately 5:45 PM on February 18, 2026, during peak rush hour traffic. According to the Ambegaon and Narhe police, a dumper truck heavily loaded with crushed stones, was traveling from the New Katraj Tunnel toward Mumbai.
The driver reportedly lost control on the steep descent near the tunnel, setting off a chain of collisions that spanned several hundred meters.
Sequence of the Collision: 8 Vehicles Hit
The dumper truck’s path of destruction was divided across two police jurisdictions:
- Ambegaon Limits: The vehicle first struck seven cars and SUVs between the Indian Oil petrol pump and the Dari Bridge (viaduct).
- Narhe Limits: Despite the initial crashes, the dumper continued for another 300 meters, hitting an eighth vehicle between Navale Bridge and Vadgaon Bridge before finally coming to a halt.
Navale Bridge remains a nightmare for commuters. 😱
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) February 19, 2026
Another major accident yesterday as a dumper loses control, hitting 8 cars and catching fire. Fortunately, no lives were lost this time. Is it time for a permanent solution to this "Black Spot"?#PuneNews #NavaleBridgeAccident… pic.twitter.com/CVreRQnrf5
Truck Bursts into Flames Near Navale Bridge
Shortly after the final impact, the rear portion of the dumper was engulfed in fire. Senior Inspector Aasaram Shete of the Narhe police stated that the fire likely originated in the tires. “We suspect the continuous friction from the collisions and excessive heat caused the rear section to ignite,” he noted.
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) fire brigade personnel arrived promptly and managed to douse the blaze before it could spread to other damaged vehicles.
Casualties and Traffic Impact
In a rare stroke of luck for this accident-prone stretch, no injuries or fatalities were reported in the incident. However, the multi-vehicle collision caused significant property damage and a massive traffic snarl on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway. Normal traffic movement was restored after approximately one hour, following the removal of the burnt truck and damaged cars.
Navale Bridge: The Persistent “Black Spot”
This latest Navale Bridge accident in Pune once again highlights the safety concerns of the Katraj-Navale Bridge corridor. While local authorities and the NHAI have recently proposed fresh safety studies, the steep gradient and heavy vehicle speed remains a lethal combination.
The police have launched an investigation to determine if the crash was caused by a mechanical brake failure or driver negligence. The driver, who initially fled the scene, has since contacted the authorities.
